As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on just how much has happened at the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital over the past six months.
Since our official opening in July, our veterinary team has treated over 1,200 sick, injured and orphaned native animals, each one arriving in need of urgent care, compassion and expertise. While admissions remain high, our team continues to show up every day with unwavering dedication, giving each patient the best possible chance.
Here are just a few of the patients who have shaped the past few weeks.
🦉 A Greater Sooty Owl’s Story of Recovery
This month, we had the pleasure of treating a male Greater Sooty Owl who was found on a driveway unable to stand, with clenched claws and his head flexed backwards. Following a thorough examination, our veterinary team found no external or internal injuries and noted that he was in good body condition. The cause was identified as an engorged paralysis tick located beneath his eye.
Sooty was admitted for treatment, which included IV fluids, pain relief and tick antiserum. Within 24 hours, he was standing again and showing normal defensive behaviour, indicating a full recovery.
After a few days in hospital care, Sooty was cleared for release and successfully returned to the location where he was found.
This is a fantastic outcome for a species listed as vulnerable in NSW.
✨ A Quiet Visit from Sooty
A few nights after his release, Sooty made a surprise appearance at the home of the carer who helped return him to the wild. At around 11.30pm, he was seen perched quietly outside a window, sitting in the moonlight.
He stayed there for around 20 minutes, calmly watching before silently flying off into the night. The carer had never seen a Greater Sooty Owl visit their window before. Perhaps it was Sooty’s way of acknowledging the care he received.
Moments like this are a beautiful reminder of the impact our work has on every single native animal that comes through our doors 💚
🐍 An Eastern Brown Snake Saved from Netting
This Eastern Brown Snake was recently admitted to the hospital after becoming entangled in garden netting. He was placed under general anaesthetic while our veterinary team carefully assessed him and investigated any injuries, with intubation used to ensure he continued breathing safely throughout the procedure.
Where possible, we try to avoid intubating venomous snakes due to the risks involved, as they can still envenomate even while under anaesthetic. In this case, however, intubation was necessary so the team could thoroughly clean and assess his wounds.
Thankfully, he was one of the lucky ones and, after treatment, was able to be released back into the wild shortly after 🌿
🌿 Reflections from December
As the year comes to a close, we’re reminded of the resilience of the native animals who come through our doors, and the dedication of the people who care for them.
Thank you for being there for us throughout 2025 and for helping make this vital work possible. Your support ensures sick, injured and orphaned wildlife across the Northern Rivers continue to receive the love and care they need to survive.
💚 The NRWH Team
Want to help patients like the ones you’ve just met? We invite you to become a HOSPITAL HERO today.
By becoming a Wildlife Hospital Hero, your monthly donation helps us treat more animals, stock vital medical supplies, and provide expert care to wildlife across the Northern Rivers.
